How to Calculate CBM for Your Shipment

CBM stands for cubic metre, the unit used to measure the volume of cargo. Sea freight for shared containers is priced per CBM, so knowing yours helps you estimate costs before you buy.

The formula

CBM = length × width × height, with all three measured in metres.

A worked example

1. One carton measures 50 cm × 40 cm × 30 cm
2. In metres: 0.5 × 0.4 × 0.3 = 0.06 CBM
3. You have 120 cartons: 0.06 × 120 = 7.2 CBM in total

What about air freight?

For air cargo, convert size into volumetric weight instead: length × width × height in centimetres ÷ 6000. The carton above weighs 50 × 40 × 30 ÷ 6000 = 10 kg volumetrically, even if it is lighter on the scale.